Swara Yoga is a tradition of the yoga, which uses breath for well-being

Ever since man has come into existence he has been attempting to understand the realm of the occult. He has tried his level best to accomplish this great task in various ways. Some talk about karma yoga, others about bhakti yoga, raja yoga, jnana yoga, kundalini yoga, etc. But there is hardly anyone who talks about Swara Yoga. Swara Vigyan refers to the science of breath or the study of the rhythmic patterns of breath and its influence on human physiology, psychology, and spiritual well-being.

The main source of recorded knowledge on swara yoga comes from the Shiva Swarodaya. Shiva is the supreme consciousness. This text extols the significance of the different types of breath or pranic rhythms as told by Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, first expounded the knowledge of swara to Devi Parvati. The Shiva Swarodaya was the outcome of this dialogue. The very opening of the Shiva Swarodaya emphasizes the importance of Swara yoga.

Shiva implores Devi to make sure that science is kept very secret and sacred, and remains the highest of all the vidyas or forms of knowledge. Lord Shiva further states that in all the seven lokas he knows no greater wisdom or treasure than the swara yoga. Is the ancient science bestowed to Devi Parwati by the lord Shiva?

According to Swar Vigyan, the breath is considered a powerful tool that can be used to regulate and balance various aspects of our lives. It recognizes that the flow of breath through the nostrils is not constant but alternates between the left and right nostrils. This alternating pattern is believed to be linked to the activation of different energy channels in the body.

Swar Vigyan practitioners observe and analyze the subtle changes in the flow of breath, such as the dominance of breath through one nostril over the other, the duration of inhales and exhales, and the specific qualities associated with each nostril's breath flow. These observations are believed to provide insights into the state of one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

By understanding and working with the natural rhythm of breath, Swar Vigyan practitioners aim to harmonize the flow of energy in the body, enhance physical health, balance emotions, improve mental focus, and achieve spiritual growth regarding the finer aspects of the theory and practice.l The physical act of breathing is said to have a very subtle influence on the level of consciousness and therefore the effects of swara yoga are also very subtle. It aims at directly awakening the highest human potential. In other systems, a similar understanding of the Swara of the breath is also expressed.

Swara yoga not only helps those who believe in a supreme reality but also those who do not have faith and who will also be surprised to discover many truths about this reality. Swara yoga is a path that leads to total experience and awakening of the entire being.

The alignment of the swara or breath is done according to the day and Hindi calendar. It is not very difficult to learn it. Just one has to be aware all the time of one’s breath. It changes whether it is running from the right nostril or left nostril. If it is running from the right nostril at that time we should perform hard work like eating, doing exercise and even evacuating and logical, analytical mathematics can also be done.

(The writer is an exponent of Swara Yoga. The views expressed are personal)